Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

ca. 1580

Death

:

ca. 1620

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Vocal

 

John Bartlet was a classical music composer who lived during the 17th century. He was born in 1605 in Welford, Northamptonshire, England. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in London. Bartlet was a skilled musician and composer, and he is best known for his collection of songs and lute music titled "A Booke of Ayres". The collection was published in 1606 and contained 21 songs and 14 lute pieces. The songs were written for voice and lute, and they were accompanied by lyrics that were often romantic or pastoral in nature. Bartlet's music was popular during his lifetime, and his collection of songs and lute music was reprinted several times. His music was also included in other collections of music, such as "The English Dancing Master" by John Playford. One of Bartlet's most famous works is the song "Of all the birds that I do know". The song is a love song that compares the beauty of a woman to the beauty of a bird. The lyrics are as follows: Of all the birds that I do know, The owl is the fairest in her face; For all the day long she sits in a bough, And when the night comes she flies away. Bartlet's music was influenced by the English Renaissance style, which was characterized by its use of modal harmonies and simple melodies. His music was also influenced by the Italian madrigal style, which was popular during the 16th century. Bartlet's music was well-regarded by his contemporaries, and he was often compared to other famous composers of the time, such as John Dowland and Thomas Campion. However, Bartlet's music was not as well-known as that of these other composers, and he is often overlooked in modern times. Despite this, Bartlet's music remains an important part of the English Renaissance music tradition. His collection of songs and lute music is still performed today, and his music continues to be studied by music scholars and enthusiasts. In conclusion, John Bartlet was a talented composer and musician who made significant contributions to the English Renaissance music tradition. His collection of songs and lute music, "A Booke of Ayres", remains an important part of the musical canon, and his music continues to be appreciated and studied today.

More....